What is Dental Bonding?

There are several options for fixing a chipped tooth. One of these methods is dental bonding, commonly referred to as enamel bonding. It is an affordable remedy for small dental imperfections and other problems that may result from damaged teeth.

If you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, decaying, or discolored, bonding could be the best solution for you to show off your pearly whites and regain your confidence.

An Overview of Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding, often known as tooth bonding, can be described as a cosmetic dental technique that fixes a cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged tooth. Additionally, it aids in closing gaps found between teeth, fixing discolorations, and even increasing the length of a tooth that is smaller than the others. The "bond" fixes the broken portion of your teeth using composite resin, giving it a brand-new appearance.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

Tooth bonding is a process that usually involves only a single outpatient session. T the dentist will use a resin made of composite plastic to repair the damaged tooth. This material is ideal for molding and will result in a brand-new tooth that blends in with the rest of your teeth. The following are the processes you might expect from a tooth bonding procedure:

• Picking a Shade

The dentist will use a shade chart to choose a composite resin substance that mirrors the appearance of your original teeth.

• Getting Your Teeth Ready

Your tooth's surface is made rough, then a conditioning substance is administered. These steps aid in the adhesion of the bonding substance to the tooth.

• Applying the Composite Resin Substance

The putty-like resin substance is applied, shaped, and smoothed into the preferred shape and size.

• Curing the Composite Resin

The composite resin is then "bonded" to the tooth's surface by being hardened using a specialized curing light.

• Polishing the tooth

Lastly, the dentist will perform any last-minute modifications that are required and polish the tooth to a sheen that looks natural.

The bonding process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform. However, it can necessitate several sessions if you need to have multiple teeth fixed. You can resume your usual daily activities right away after your session because most dental bonding treatments don't call for anesthesia.

The Benefits of Dental Bonding

Patients frequently choose tooth bonding because treatment is rapid, painless, and reasonably priced, among other factors. Minor flaws in a patient's smile, such as a single broken tooth or a space between teeth, can be repaired in just one day.

Furthermore, compared to dental implants or veneers, bonding is thought to be a less expensive cosmetic procedure. It is an ideal option for somebody who has to fix a fractured tooth but does not want to spend a fortune.

Moreover, composite resin can be used to replace missing teeth in a way that looks natural and lasts a lifetime. The duration of bonding might range from 5 to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Most patients can benefit from a beautiful and healthy smile for as long as ten years following a bonding operation.

What are the Drawbacks of this Procedure?

Even while dental bonding is a good remedy for some patients, it isn't appropriate for everybody. The major concern with dental bonding is the likelihood of separation.

Your tooth is practically split in half after the bonding procedure (the composite resin material and your natural tooth). As a result, there is a potential that the two portions could split apart. When getting their teeth bonded, patients should refrain from biting their fingernails, chewing ice, as well as biting into hard candies because these actions could cause the bond to break.

The materials utilized are another significant distinction between conventional cosmetic dentistry procedures and bonding. The durable and moderately stain-resistant material porcelain is frequently used to create crowns and veneers. The resin material, which is used for bonding, is also more permeable than porcelain.

This indicates that when you smoke heavily or regularly consume wine or coffee, the bonded tooth is much more certain to become discolored. This issue, nevertheless, is easily avoided with good oral hygiene.

Are there Any Risks Involved in Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a quick, easy, and safe outpatient process. There is no risk involved in the dental bonding procedure.

In contrast to veneers, the dentist won't usually grind down the teeth, therefore if the resin is damaged, you can have it replaced without stressing about how odd the tooth will look. In addition, compared to crowns and veneers, composite resin cracks and fractures less often.

The Best Ways to Care for Your Bonded Tooth After the Procedure

Nothing, not even composite resin, is as durable as natural enamel and teeth. You must therefore maintain appropriate oral hygiene even when the bond fixes your tooth.

You should refrain from chewing on pens or ice cubes. Additionally, eating too many hard foods and sweets can destroy your bond. Nevertheless, these are also bad for your gums and teeth, that's why it's best to stay away from them in general, particularly if you tend to teeth fracturing or chipping.

Also, it's critical to remember that composite resin is less stain-resistant than enamel over the long run. If you smoke and consume large amounts of coffee or red wine or both, you run a higher risk of developing long-term staining.

Sadly, composite resin cannot be made whiter. Therefore, if you discolor the bond, you can be left with it until you decide to repair it or go for a veneer. You can whiten your teeth with the bonded material present. Although whitening solutions won't affect the composite resin, you'll notice a color difference as the appearance of the teeth change but the bond remains the same.

Nevertheless, based on the producer of the bonding substance, the dentist could be able to provide a fairly thin bonding material for the front teeth. Whitening could be unpredictable, so if you would like a bond on your front tooth, it's preferable to first whiten and bond later. However, you may find yourself wishing to change the bonding entirely.

Are You a Good Candidate For this Procedure?

The ideal candidates for dental bonding are people with teeth that have little damage and mild deterioration.

If you have lost your tooth (or a portion of your tooth), or if your tooth is significantly damaged, a dental implant could be preferable to a dental bonding procedure. Dental implants, which consist of a porcelain crown and an implant, completely replace your tooth as well as the root.

Additionally, individuals who are currently satisfied with their teeth's color are the greatest candidates for dental bonding. Before asking your dentist about dental bonding, you should have your teeth whitened f you've always wished to.

The dentist selects a bond that is the same as the shade of your actual teeth; if you subsequently whiten the teeth, your enamel will lighten, but the bond material will not change its color.

How Long Does the Bonding Last?

Teeth bonding typically lasts between five and 10 years before it needs to be renewed, although there are various variables at play. To begin with, different kinds of resin composites have distinct qualities. S turdy resins are typically utilized further back inside the mouth because they don't quite resemble the natural tooth structure and they last longer. If you need tooth bonding for your front teeth, the dentist will probably choose a composite that is less rigid but resembles real teeth.

Here is a quick list of measures to take care of the bonded teeth so that you can potentially extend their lifespan by a couple of years:

• Maintaining good dental hygiene. Dental decay can make resin weaken its hold on the teeth. The most ideal method of maintaining a beautiful smile, bonding or no bonding, is to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly

• Avoid hard meals and chewing ice. Because composite resin isn't as strong as natural teeth, the same practices that damage teeth will cause your dental procedure to deteriorate even quicker

• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. Although for some people it's harder than it sounds, you can greatly decrease long-term damage to the bonded teeth by lowering stress levels or staying away from too much coffee

• Do not whiten. Your actual teeth and the composite resin will stain concurrently, even if it might not happen at the exact rate. The variation is only evident after whitening, which is only effective on your natural teeth but not on the bonded ones

• Avoid putting sharp things in your mouth

• Avoid picking at the bonding

• Use a sports mouthguard to safeguard your teeth

• Always rinse your mouth using water after you have consumed acidic foods

• Use a nightguard to stop damage caused by grinding

Teeth bonding is a great opportunity to attempt to kick some unhealthy habits. Bonded teeth often retain their sturdiness and natural appearance for many years with the right maintenance and cleaning.

The Cost of Getting a Dental Bonding Procedure done

You shouldn't be surprised that pricing for dental bonding can differ substantially on a case-to-case basis, much like durability. The cost is mostly determined by how many teeth the patient would like. It can cost as little as $250 and as much as $1,200.

You need to always speak with the dentist to find out their fee schedule before booking a session for teeth bonding. It's a great idea to check if your medical insurance will pay for the procedure, as it might greatly lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

Alternatives to Dental Bonding

Dental bonding isn't the only method for changing the appearance of your teeth or even your entire smile. Although dental bonding could conceal damage or deterioration, more serious cases are more likely to require a crown. The dentist will tell if this is essential.

In terms of merely cosmetic bonding procedures, porcelain veneers are a popular option, with both having benefits when compared to each other.

When compared to composite resin dental bonding, porcelain veneers offer a few key advantages. The first advantage is that they are far more sturdy and could last up to two times as much as tooth bonding. They are also color-stable in addition to being durable, so discoloration becomes less of an issue over time. Additionally, they often possess a more organic appearance without compromising durability.

However, the cost per tooth could increase by as much as double. Additionally, it will take extra time since veneers need to be created beforehand and require multiple sessions before they can be fitted.

What's more, is that the procedure can typically be completely reversed and the composite resin could be taken out later. A dentist nearly always needs to take the enamel out of your teeth to fit porcelain veneers. Although the finished product functions just as well as a real tooth would, you won't be capable of getting back your smile as it was.

Dental Bonding FAQS

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions on dental bonding procedures:

Is Dental Bonding Safe for Teeth?

Dental bonding generally poses no threats to a patient's dental health. It's completely safe if your gums and teeth are in good condition.

Dental bonding might not be the best option for you when you suffer from severe dental decay, gingivitis, or any other serious disorders affecting your dental health.

Does Dental Bonding Hurt?

Tooth bonding is normally painless since your dentist will not be working near the nerves that sense pain in the tooth. Dental bonding typically doesn't even require an anesthetic. Some patients could feel mild sensitivity following their tooth bonding procedure. This sensation can be reduced using over-the-counter painkillers.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Dental Bonding?

No downtime is necessary for tooth bonding. You will be capable of resuming all routine duties immediately after you exit the dentist's office.

Are Teeth Permanently Bonded?

No. Tooth bonding could be undone at any moment since it does not involve removing the enamel.

Why Consider Dental Bonding, Even for a Minor Chip?

While many individuals focus on their smiles the most, repairing chips and fractures is essential for your overall dental health. It facilitates healthy chewing and stops further harm that can even jeopardize the well-being of the neighboring teeth.

Do Teeth Require Special Maintenance After Tooth Bonding?

They don't. Simply maintain proper oral hygiene. You should floss a minimum of once daily, brush your teeth a minimum of two times daily, and visit the dentist for routine checkups and professional cleaning.

It's crucial to avoid behaviors such as biting fingernails, chewing pencils, or opening products with your teeth since bonding materials can chip. Contact the dentist if you discover any jagged edges on your bonded teeth or when the tooth feels strange whenever you chew or bite down.

Can I Get At-Home Dental Bonding Kits?

There are many various kits available for doing dental bonding in the comfort of your home, but they come with a lot of drawbacks. First off, at-home solutions for tooth bonding are only intended for the smallest of issues. You couldn't perform more complex tasks, like closing gaps between the teeth.

Besides that, you generally won't access the equipment a dentist employs to provide a solid bond and a natural-looking appearance at home.

Your dentist will pick the most suitable composite resin for your circumstances and will employ mirrors, picks, as well as some automated tools to achieve an outcome that is identical to your actual teeth. In the end, even though at-home tooth bonding could allow you to save costs on a quick process, a dentist's work will most likely be more appealing and durable.

When Is Tooth Bonding Recommended?

You can enhance the appearance of your smile through dental bonding. Composite resin substance that is tooth-colored is used throughout the treatment to:

• Cover up any tooth cracks or chips

• To cover up dental stains

• Fill in any spaces and gaps between the teeth

• Increase the length of your teeth

• Alter the appearance of the teeth.

Dental bonding and restorative dentistry both utilize composite resin substances to:

• Fill up crevices

• Substitute old, unsightly silver tooth fillings using more aesthetically pleasing ones

• Ensure the safety of exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession

When Should I Schedule a Dental Appointment?

Schedule a consultation with the dentist if you are experiencing any issues with the appearance of your teeth, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, or other issues. They can discuss your cosmetic objectives with you and create a treatment regimen that is specifically tailored to your requirements.

If you just had a dental bonding procedure done, contact your dentist whenever your bite seems strange. They can fix this problem in a single session.

Find a Dental Bonding Specialist Near Me

If your teeth are chipped, fractured, or cracked, tooth bonding can help to restore their strength and prevent additional damage. At Washington Dental, we often use dental bonding to restore patients' natural teeth that have suffered minor to moderate damage. Make an appointment with us right now if you're interested in knowing more about dental bonding. We service the California cities of Los Angeles, Carson, Torrance, and Lomita.